System for un-baling farm products

ABSTRACT

An un-baling system for transforming substantially rectangular bales of farm product into smaller substantiality rectangular sized bales of farm products. The un-baling system incorporates a first rail mounted conveyor subsystem connected to a first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem. The first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem is connected to a platform conveyor subsystem in such a way as to enable the first rail mounted conveyor subsystem to convey the farm product to the first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem wherein the farm product is thrashed. The thrashed farm product is gravity fed onto the platform conveyor subsystem. The platform conveyor subsystem then feeds the thrashed farm product into the baling machine. A plurality of un-baling systems may be ganged together to further increase the volume of production in transforming large substantially rectangular bales of farm products into smaller substantiality rectangular sized bales of farm products.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/441,092 filed on Jan. 17, 2003 and is a Divisional patent applicationof Allowed patent application Ser. No. 10/412,461 filed Apr. 11, 2003,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,512.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates, in general, to a system for un-baling farmproducts. In particular, the invention relates to a system fortransforming large substantially rectangular bales of farm products intosubstantially smaller rectangular sized bales of farm products. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a system of conveyors andadjustable thrashing mechanisms working in concert with a plurality ofhydraulic motors under the control of an operator to transform largesubstantially rectangular bales of farm products into substantiallysmaller rectangular sized bales of farm products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The baling of farm products along with farming has changed over theyears. At the turn of century the number of farmers or farm workers, ascompared to the number of industry or factory workers, was quite large.There was a large segment of the labor force actively engaged in farmingand many were engaged in the baling of farm products. Farming was laborintensive and there was a large labor force available to bale farmproducts. The cost of labor was relatively low compared to the cost ofthe baled farm product. As the economy expanded the need for factoryworkers increased. Competing resources drew from the large labor poolthus draining the available farm labor from the labor pool.

As the labor pool shrank the need to mechanize farming increased toprovide the same or increased productivity with less direct farm labor.One solution to mechanize farming is to store farm products in a compactstate. For example, large volumes of farm product such as hay may beharvested directly from the windows in the fields. Large volumes of hayare tightly compacted into large substantially rectangular bales. Thehay may then be stored and later re-baled into a more workable orconvenient bale size. The economies of scale in this approach areself-evident. The bigger the substantially rectangular bales of hay thelower the labor cost of an individual rectangular bale.

To preserve the economies of scale, the un-baling of the farm productmust be done by a labor saving re-baling machine. Attempts in the pasthave been made to preserve the economies of scale by un-baling the farmproduct into a hopper. The hopper would then feed the farm product intoa chamber. The chamber would grind and mix the farm product prior to itsbeing formed into smaller sized bales. The caveat to this approach isthat not all large rectangular bales of farm product are compacted withthe same consistency. Farm products may be harvested at various timesduring the harvest season and under various climatic conditions. Thelarge rectangular bales of farm product may be in storage for variouslengths of time before being re-baled. Large rectangular bales of farmproduct of various consistencies may stall or choke the mixer or grinderthus requiring labor to service the machinery involved. This effort ishigh maintenance and does not produce the economies of scale desired intransforming large rectangular bales of farm product into small sizedbales.

Other attempts to resolve the problems of efficiently transforming largerectangular bales of farm product into smaller bales include theadditions of various chambers in the baling process. The chambers havevarious types of augers, rollers and thrashers that attempt to separatethe farm product prior to compacting it into smaller bales. The caveatto this approach is that the augers, rollers, and thrashers tend to beunidirectional. The variation in large rectangular bales of farm productconsistency is not accommodated. If the consistency of the largerectangular bales of farm product is such that it is tightly wound orwet, the unidirectional of the augers, rollers, and thrashers do notseparate the farm product. The un-separated farm product generally hasto be manually removed or manually separated in the chamber before theprocessing of the large rectangular bales of farm product may continue.

It would be desirable to have a system for baling farm products thatwould allow a minimum expenditure of labor to operate and producesmaller baled farm products from larger baled farm products. The systemwould be able to accommodate various consistencies of large baled farmproducts i.e., tightly wrapped bales, loosely wrapped bales, or wet andmatted bales of farm product. The system would also providemultidirectional capabilities to enable an operator of the system tomaneuver the large rectangular bales of farm product in the forward orreverse direction. The aerating and thrashing of the farm product wouldbe under operator control thus enabling the operator to accommodate forvarying degrees of consistency (as discussed above) disposed within aparticular large rectangular bale of farm product. Transforming largerectangular bales of farm products into smaller substantiallyrectangular sized bales of farm products would no longer rely on laborintensive methods to unfurl the larger baled farm products or onmechanisms primarily designed to grind and compact rather than separateand aerate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The farming industry is well aware of the importance of containing costin the production of farm products. Cost containment and the managementof farm labor may very well be the core elements in making a successfulharvest. Farmers have a multitude of challenges and adversities facingthem every day. These adversities and challenges range from weather,diminishing labor pool, equipment malfunction, and many more to numerousto mention.

The common thread that runs through all of these challenges andadversities is cost containment and management of farm labor. Thechallenges and adversities the farmer experiences in the course of aseason generally determine whether the farmer will be in business thefollowing season. The need for farm labor is seasonal. Farm laborgenerally peaks one or more times a year during planting and/orharvesting of farm products. Harvesting of farm products generallyoccurs in a short time period and amassing the farm labor to harvestcrops all at the same time is not practical or possible. The problem, ofcourse is cost, containment and management of farm labor.

The present invention provides a solution to cost containment andmanagement of farm labor after the harvest season. The present inventionprovides the farmer with a means to very quickly process farm productsthat have been harvested in bulk and stored at various times during theyear. An example of harvesting a farm product in bulk is the well-knownprocess of harvesting hay by compacting it into large substantiallyrectangular bales rather than into smaller more traditional size bales.The economies of scale are self evident. The harvesting of farm productsin bulk reduces the over all cost of harvesting and reduces thedependency on great numbers of farm laborers i.e., cost containment andmanagement of farm labor.

The present invention transforms bulk farm products like largesubstantially rectangular bales of hay that were stored or recentlyharvested into more suitably sized bales. The present invention is afarm product un-baling system comprising a plurality of subsystems. Thesubsystems of the present invention are a first rail mounted conveyorsubsystem, a first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem, aspring-loaded retarding mechanism, a platform conveyor subsystem and abaling machine.

The first rail mounted conveyor subsystem is mechanically connectedin-line to the first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem. The firstrail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem is mechanically connected at aright-angle to the platform conveyor subsystem which is mechanicallyconnected in-line with the baling machine. The spring loaded retardingmechanism is suspended over and connected to the first rail mountedconveyor-thrasher subsystem. A plurality of un-baling systems may, ifdesired, be ganged together to increase the economies of scale ofun-baling large substantially rectangular bales of farm product and thenre-baling into smaller sized rectangular bales.

A loading conveyor subsystem may, if desired, be connected to thepresent invention to aid in loading the suitably sized farm productbales onto the truck. The conveyor subsystem is a freestanding pivotalconveyor with a telescoping adjustable extension. The movement of theconveyor subsystem allows repositioning of the conveyor during theloading of the suitably sized farm product bales onto the truck.

In operation, a large substantially rectangular bale of farm product ispositioned on the first rail mounted conveyor subsystem and/or thesubsequent second rail mounted conveyor subsystem with the bale facingforward as determined by the clockwise curvature of the lower portion ofthe bale. The bottom portion of the bale engages the first rail mountedconveyor subsystem. The clockwise curvature is facing towards the firstrail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem. The operator commands thefirst rail mounted conveyor subsystem to propel the substantiallyrectangular bale forward. The forward end or front end of bale engagesthe spring-loaded retarding mechanism. The spring-loaded retardingmechanisms holds the top portion of the bale of farm product in-place asthe first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem engages the lowerportion of the bale of farm product.

The first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem may, if desired, bepivoted in relation to the first rail mounted conveyor subsystem toenable the operator to select the position for the first rail mountedconveyor-thrasher subsystem that is best suited for the particulatecomprising the bale of farm product. Under operator control, thesubstantially rectangular bale of farm product begins to break apart asit is propelled towards the thrashing action of the first rail mountedconveyor-thrasher subsystem. After the thrashing action the un-baled andthrashed farm product is gravity fed to the platform conveyor subsystem.The platform conveyor subsystem propels the thrashed farm producttowards the baling machine wherein the baling machine transforms thethrashed farm product into suitably sized bales. The suitably sizedbales are transported along the loading conveyor subsystem to be loadedby operator onto the truck. If desired the suitably sized bales may bestacked and/or stored in any convenient arrangement or configuration inany convenient facility.

When taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and theappended claims, other features and advantages of the present inventionbecome apparent upon reading the following detailed description ofembodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which like referencecharacters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures ofwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top level systems view diagram of the presentinvention,

FIG. 2 a illustrates a perspective view diagram of an interconnectedfirst rail mounted conveyor subsystem, a first rail mountedconveyor-thrasher subsystem and a platform conveyor subsystem of FIG. 1,

FIG. 2 b illustrates a perspective view diagram of a bale of farmproduct positioned on the first rail mounted conveyor subsystem of FIG.2 a,

FIG. 3 a illustrates a side view diagram of a first position of thefirst rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem, thrashing the farmproduct of FIG. 2 b,

FIG. 3 b illustrates a side view diagram of a second position of thefirst rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem, thrashing the farmproduct of FIG. 2 b,

FIG. 3 c illustrates a side view diagram of the interior portion of thefirst rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem of FIG. 2 a,

FIG. 4 a illustrates a front view diagram of a spring-loaded retardingmechanism of FIG. 2 a,

FIG. 4 b illustrates a side view diagram of the spring-loaded retardingmechanism of FIG. 4 a,

FIG. 4 c illustrates a perspective view diagram of the spring-loadedretarding mechanism of FIG. 4 a,

FIG. 5 a illustrates a front view diagram of a first rail mountedconveyor-thrasher subsystem FIG. 2 a,

FIG. 5 b illustrates a perspective view diagram of a rectangularshearing panel of FIG. 5 a,

FIG. 5 c illustrates a perspective view diagram of one of a plurality ofserrated teeth of FIG. 5 b,

FIG. 6 a illustrates a front view diagram of the first rail mountedconveyor subsystem of FIG. 2 a,

FIG. 6 b illustrates a perspective view diagram of the chain drivemechanism of the first rail mounted conveyor subsystem of FIG. 2 a,

FIG. 6 c illustrates a perspective view diagram of one of a plurality oftabs of FIG. 6 b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing in detail the particular improved system for balingfarm products in accordance with the present invention, it should beobserved that the invention resides primarily in a novel structuralcombination of conventional farm equipment, discrete subsystems orsubassembly components, associated control of the aforementioned farmequipment and components, and not in the particular detailedconfiguration thereof. Accordingly, the structure, command, control andarrangement of these conventional components and subassemblies have, forthe most part, been illustrated in the drawings by readilyunderstandable diagram representations and schematic diagrams. Thedrawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to thepresent invention in order not to obscure the disclosure with structuraldetails which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the arthaving the benefit of the description herein. For example, a farmproduct baling machine 11, FIG. 1 has numerous connections to thepresent invention 10. Various portions of the baling machine's 11connections to the present invention 10 have been simplified in order toemphasize those portions that are most pertinent to the invention. Thus,the top level system diagram and schematic diagram illustrations of theFigures do not necessarily represent the mechanical structuralarrangement of the exemplary system, and are primarily intended toillustrate major hardware structural components of the system in aconvenient functional grouping whereby the present invention may be morereadily understood.

An overview of the present invention 10, FIG. 1: The present invention10 is a system for un-baling farm product. Any type of farm product thatmay be baled may be used in conjunction with the present invention 10.An example of farm product is a forage plant cut and dried for animalfeed commonly referred to as hay. The hay, in this example, has beenpreviously baled into substantially large rectangular bales. Any size ofrectangular bale or consistency of the particulate forming the farmproduct may be used with the present invention 10. The farm productdelineated herein and generally baled is the product of pressingparticulate matter by a plunger mounted within a baling machine'scompacting chamber. The plunger has a repetitive action i.e., theplunger moves forward pressing the particulate matter into flakes. Thesize of the flakes are derived from the plunger interval. For example, aplunger interval of 90 strokes per minute produces a flake ofapproximately 4 inches in depth. The present invention 10 may, ifdesired, process flakes produced from plunger intervals of 50 to 120strokes per minute. The plurality of flakes produced by this method arealigned front to back to form a complete bale of farm product.

Each flake produced by the plunging action produces a discerniblecurvature on the bottom portion of the bale. For example, the farmproduct bale 21, FIG. 2 b comprises a plurality of front to back alignedflakes 57. Each flake's lower portion has a discernible clockwisecurvature 58. The clockwise curvature 58 is produced from the plungermotion in concert with the plunging chamber. This particular rectangularfarm product bale 21 size is eight feet by four feet by three feet with4-inch flakes 57 wherein all flakes 57 have a clockwise curvature 58 onthe bottom portion. The size of the bale is selected for shippingpurposes i.e., road and bridge weight and height restrictions. Further,the rectangular farm product bale 21 was baled in this selected size toreduce labor costs. The rectangular farm product bale at its finaldestination is re-baled into smaller bales for handling purpose.

The farm product un-baling system of the present invention 10, FIG. 1may, if desired, be composed of any number of individual subsystems orsubassemblies. If desired, the present invention 10 may be expanded intomultiple systems for un-baling farm products with all systems controlledfrom one system control station 19. The present invention 10 may, ifdesired, be mounted onto any surface that allows the normal operation.The present invention 10 may, for example, be located in the fieldswhere the harvested farm products can be baled. The present invention 10may also be located in a barn or shed wherein farm product istransported to the present invention for processing.

The subsystems of the present invention 10, FIG. 1 are a first railmounted conveyor subsystem 12, a first rail mounted conveyor-thrashersubsystem 13, a spring-loaded retarding mechanism 45, a platformconveyor subsystem 14 and a baling machine 11. The first rail mountedconveyor subsystem 12 is mechanically connected in-line to the firstrail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 13. The first rail mountedconveyor-thrasher subsystem 13 is mechanically connected at aright-angle to the platform conveyor subsystem 14 which is mechanicallyconnected in-line with the baling machine 11. The spring loadedretarding mechanism 45 is suspended over and connected to the first railmounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 13.

A second rail mounted conveyor subsystem 15, FIG. 1 is a mirror image ofthe first rail mounted conveyor subsystem 12. The mounting orpositioning of the second rail mounted conveyor subsystem 15 may, ifdesired, be identical to and oppositely spaced from the position ormounting of the first rail mounted conveyor subsystem 12. The secondrail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 16 is a mirror image of thefirst rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 13. The mounting orpositioning of the second rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 16may, if desired, be identical to and oppositely spaced from the positionor mounting of the first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 13. Asecond spring-loaded retarding mechanism 38 is positioned in concertwith the second rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 16. Thefunctioning of the two spring-loaded retarding mechanisms 38 and 45respectively, is the same. The second rail mounted conveyor subsystem 15and the second conveyor-thrasher 16 provide additional processingsupport for the farm product 22, i.e., baled farm product 22 may beloaded into the first rail mounted conveyor subsystem 12 and the baledfarm product 21 may be loaded onto the second rail mounted conveyorsubsystem 15.

The baling machine 11, FIG. 1 re-bales the farm product bale 21 and/or22 into suitably sized farm product bales 26 for handling by an operator24 or transporting via any convenient vehicle such as a truck 25. Thebaling machine 11, FIG. 1 may, if desired, be any type of balingmechanism that receives the un-baled farm product 27 from the platformconveyor subsystem 14 and transforms or bales the un-baled farm product27 into suitably sized farm product bales 26. The size of the bales is amatter of convenience and may range in size depending on the intendedstorage and transportation of the baled farm products 21 or 22. Atypical example of baling machine 11 is manufactured by John Deer, Model348.

A loading conveyor subsystem 18, FIG. 1, may, if desired, be connectedto the present invention 10 to aid in the loading of the suitably sizedfarm product bales 26 onto the truck 25. The conveyor subsystem 18, FIG.1, is a freestanding pivotal conveyor with a telescoping adjustableextension. The movement of the conveyor subsystem 18 allowsrepositioning of the conveyor during the loading of the suitable sizefarm product bales 26 onto the truck 25.

The operational control of the present invention 10, FIG. 1, is providedby a plurality of driving or propelling mechanisms attached or connectedto the various subsystems, conveyors, pumps and the like. Any number ofdriving or propelling mechanisms may be used in conjunction with thenormal operation of the present invention 10 to allow it to operatenormally. The driving or propelling mechanisms may, if desired, beelectrical, mechanical, hydraulic or any other suitable forms of powerthat allow the present invention 10 to operate normally.

In operation the above discussed present invention 10, FIG. 1 has anoperator 23 positioned at the controls of system control station 19 thatcommand the first rail mounted conveyor subsystem 12 to begin moving thefarm product bale 21. The farm product bale 21 is conveyed to the firstrail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 13 where it is thrashed. Theoperator 23 may, if desired, manipulate the controls of the systemcontrol station 19 to actively change the conveying motion of the firstrail mounted conveyor subsystem 12 and the first rail mountedconveyor-thrasher subsystem 13 from the forward to a reverse directionto aid in the un-baling of the farm product.

The un-baled farm product 27, FIG. 1 is gravity fed to the platformconveyor subsystem 14 where the un-baled farm product 27 is re-baled bythe baling machine 11. The platform conveyer subsystem 14, as with theother subsystems disclosed herein, may be commanded or operated in theforward or reverse direction by the operator 23 to aid in the baling ofthe un-baled farm product 27. The re-baled suitably sized farm product26 may, if desired, be loaded onto awaiting vehicles or stacked nearby.

A single operator 23, FIG. 1 may, if desired, be positioned at thecontrols of system control station 19 to operate any combination of themultiple subsystems of the present invention 10. An example of multiplefarm product baling is a second rail mounted conveyor subsystem 15suitably positioned in relation to the conveyor platform subsystem 14.This position may, if desired, be aligned with the first rail mountedconveyor subsystem 12. The second rail mounted conveyor subsystem 15 ismechanically connected to a second rail mounted conveyor-thrashersubsystem 16. The second rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 16 ismechanically connected to a conveyor platform subsystem 14.

The baled farm product 21, FIG. 1 may, if desired, be retrieved fromstorage by a farm vehicle or tractor 20. The tractor 20 suitablypositions the baled farm product 21 into the second rail mountedconveyor subsystem 15. The operator 23, positioned at the controls ofsystem control station 19, commands the second rail mounted conveyorsubsystem 15 to begin moving the baled farm product 22. The baled farmproduct 22 is conveyed to the second rail mounted conveyor-thrashersubsystem 16 where it is thrashed. The operator 23 may, if desired,manipulate the controls of the system control station 19 to activelymove the conveying motion of the second rail mounted conveyor subsystem15 and second rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 16 in the forwardand reverse directions to aid in the un-baling of the baled farm product22.

The un-baled farm product 27, FIG. 1 is gravity fed to the platformconveyor subsystem 14 where the farm product 22 is re-baled by thebaling machine 11. After re-baling, the baling machine 11 ejects there-baled farm product 26 from the baler to be loaded onto awaitingvehicles or stacked nearby. The re-baling of the baled farm products 21and/or 22 may, if desired, be identical. The second rail mountedconveyor subsystem 15 and second rail mounted conveyor-thrashersubsystem 16 are mirror images of the first rail mounted conveyorsubsystem 12 and the first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 13.They both feed the baled farm product 21 or 22 to the platform conveyorsubsystem 14 and into the baling machine 11.

A re-circulating subsystem 17, FIG. 1, may, if desired, be connected tothe present invention 10 to alleviate dust and/or particles distributedin or near the operation of the present invention 10. During the normaloperation of the present invention 10, farm product particles aregenerated and may be hazardous to the attending operator's health anddestructive to associated machinery.

Any number of the above discussed subsystems of the present invention10, FIG. 1 may be ganged in series or connected in parallel to un-balelarge rectangular farm products and then re-bale the farm products intosmaller bales. The present invention 10 as discussed herein may, ifdesired, be combined with or implemented in conjunction with U.S. Pat.No. 6,152,026. The aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,026 and thepresent invention 10 were invented by the same inventor W. T. Simpson.The U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,026 is included herein by reference.

A more detailed discussion of the subsystems of the present invention 10FIG. 2 a: The first rail mounted conveyor subsystem 12 is substantiallyrectangular comprising two parallel rail housings 30 and 31. Theparallel rail housings 30 and 31 extend the length of the first railmounted conveyor subsystem 12. The parallel rail housings 30 and 31 aremounted to a plurality of cross-members 32 and 33. Although crossmembers 32 and 33 are the only cross-members illustrated, it isunderstood any number of cross-members may, if desired, be used tosupport the parallel rail housings 30 and 31. Each of the parallel railhousings 30 and 31 have a pair of oppositely spaced cog-pulleys 34 and35. Each pair of oppositely spaced cog-pulleys 34 and 35 has a chain 36and 37, FIG. 6 b positioned about the respective cog-pulleys. Mountedonto each of the chains 36 and 37 are a plurality of spaced apartsubstantially rectangular tabs 28 each having a top surface 29 and abottom surface 100, FIG. 6 c. Each tab's top surface 29 is facingupwards away from its respective chain position. The baled farm product21 or 22 is positioned on the plurality of tabs' 28 top surfaces 29. Thetop surface 29 supports the weight of the baled farm product 21 or 22.The tabs 28 engaged the bottom surface of the baled farm product 21 or22 and in concert with the chains 36 and 37 propel the bales in aforward or reverse direction along the first rail mounted conveyorsubsystem 12. The chains 36 and 37 are hydraulic driven and the forwardand reverse movement of the respective chains is under the control ofthe operator 23. One end of each of the parallel rail housings 30 and 31respectively is mounted to the first rail mounted conveyor-thrashersubsystem 13.

The first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 13, FIG. 2 a is asubstantially rectangular housing 42 pivotally mounted at 101 and 102,FIG. 5 a to parallel rails 39 and 40, respectively. The parallel rails39 and 40, FIG. 5 a have a cross-member 41 mounted thereon. Thecross-member 41 is the connection vehicle to the first rail mountedconveyor subsystem 12. The substantially rectangular housing 42, FIG. 2a comprises two parallel rail housings 47 and 48. The parallel railhousings 47 and 48 are mounted to a plurality of cross-members thatextend the length of the substantially rectangular housing 42. Each ofthe parallel rail housings 47 and 48 has a pair of oppositely spacedcog-pulleys 49 and 56, FIG. 3 c. A chain 51, FIG. 5 a is positionedabout the first pair of cog-pulleys 49 and 56 of rail housings 47 and asecond chain 52 is positioned about the second pair of cog-pulleys 59(not shown) and 60 of rail housings 48. Mounted onto each of the chains51 and 52 is a plurality of spaced apart slats 53, FIG. 5 a. The spacing61, between the slats 53 may, if desired, be any convenient distance.The spaced apart slats 53 are mounted parallel to the direction oftravel of the conveyor. The conveyor comprising a plurality of flatsubstantially rectangular panels. Each rectangular panel being hinged tothe adjoining rectangular panel. The plurality of hinged together,rectangular panels forms a continuous belt operationally connected tochain 51. Each of the slats 53 has a plurality of outwardly extendingteeth 54 that engage the bottom portion of the farm product 21 or 22.The plurality of teeth 54 may, if desired, be arranged in any convenientpattern to facilitate the unbaling of the farm product 21 or 22.Typically, one slat 53 containing a plurality of the teeth 54 isseparated from a subsequent slat 53 containing a plurality of the teeth54 by a blank slat 63. The teeth 54 on any given slat 53 are offset fromsubsequent rows of teeth 54 on slats 53.

A substantially rectangular panel 55, FIG. 2 a is mounted above theplurality of spaced apart slats 53 at a right-angle to a pair ofscreened sidewalls 65 and 66 mounted onto the substantially rectangularhousing 42. The rectangular panel 55, FIG. 5 b has a plurality ofelongated bars 67 facing the spaced apart slats 53. Each elongated bar67 has a plurality of serrated teeth 68 mounted thereto. The serratedteeth 68, FIG. 5 c are triangular in shape and may, if desired, have anyconvenient number of serrations disposed thereon. The serrated teeth 68are selectively positioned along each bar to provide, in concert withthe outwardly extending teeth 54, a scissor or shearing action to thefarm product thereby thrashing apart the bale 21 or 22.

The first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 13, FIG. 3 a may, ifdesired, pivot in relation to the first rail mounted conveyor subsystem12. The first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 13 has a pair ofpivot actuators 70 connected to the parallel rails 39 and 40. The pivotactuators 70 provide the pivot action to positionally adjust the firstrail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 13 from a first position 69 toa second position 71, FIG. 3 b or any position therebetween. This pivotaction enables the operator 23 to control the angle of engagementbetween the substantially rectangular housing 42 and the advancing baleof farm product 21 or 22. If the advancing bale of farm product 21 or 22has a consistency that does not permit maximum positioning of the firstrail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 13 in relation to the firstrail mounted conveyor subsystem 12 the operator 23 may, if desired,adjust the first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 13 to enablemaximum un-baling efficiency.

The spring-loaded retarding mechanism 45, FIG. 4 a is formed from a pairof substantially L-shaped members 43 and 44 and an adjustablecross-member 72 connected therebetween. The cross-member 72 may, ifdesired, be adjusted along the upright portion of the substantiallyL-shaped members 43 and 44 by adjusters 73 and 74, FIG. 4 c. Thepositioning of the adjusters 73 and 74 along the substantially L-shapedmembers 43 and 44 is selective according to the size of the baled farmproduct 21 or 22. The spring-loaded retarding mechanism 45 has aplurality of elongated members 75 that are connected along thecross-member 72. Each elongated member 75 has a coiled spring 76connected to one end. The other ends of the elongated members 75 extendsdownward in the same plane as the upright portion of the L-shapedmembers 43 and 44. The spring-loaded retarding mechanism 45 ispositioned to selectively engage the top portion of the bale of farmproduct 21 or 22. For example, as the bale of farm product 21, FIG. 4 badvances forward, the leading edge engages the spring-loaded retardingmechanism 45. The spring-loaded retarding mechanism 45 retards themovement of the top portion of the bale of farm product 21 therebyallowing the bottom portion of the bale to engage the teeth 54 of theslats 53.

The platform conveyor subsystem 14, FIG. 6 a is connected to the firstconveyor-thrasher subsystem 13 and the baling machine 11. The firstconveyor-thrasher subsystem 13 is mounted on a pair of parallelelongated C-shaped members 77 and 78. The elongated C-shaped members 77and 78 have a plurality of cross-members 79 connected therebetweensupporting the platform conveyor subsystem 14. The platform conveyorsubsystem 14 is chain driven by a pair of chains 80 and 81. The chains80 and 81 are connected to a series of panels 83 forming a continuousbelt 82 that extend the length of the platform conveyor subsystem 14.The top surface of the belt 82 receives the thrashed farm product 27.The thrashed farm product 27 is fed into the baling machine 11. Thebaling machine 11 (as discussed above) transforms the thrashed farmproduct 27 into suitably sized bales 26.

In operation, the baled farm product 21, FIG. 2 b may, if desired, bepositioned on the first rail mounted conveyor subsystem 12 in anyconvenient manner. Preferably, the baled farm product 21, FIG. 2 b ispositioned on the first rail mounted conveyor subsystem 12 with thebale's flakes 57 lower portion's clockwise curvature 58 engaging thetabs 28 of the first rail mounted conveyor subsystem 12. The clockwisecurvature 58 is facing towards the first rail mounted conveyor-thrashersubsystem 13. The operator 23 commands the forward motion of the firstrail mounted conveyor subsystem 12. The tabs mounted onto the continuouschains 36 and 37 of the first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem13 engage the farm product bale 21 propelling the farm product forward.The forward end or front end of bale 21 engages the spring-loadedretarding mechanism 45. The spring-loaded retarding mechanisms 45 holdsthe top portion of the bale of farm product 21 in-place as the firstrail mounted conveyor-thrasher subsystem 13 engages the lower portion ofthe bale of farm product 21 via the slat's 53 plurality of outwardlyextending teeth 54. The operator 23 selects a suitable position 69through 71 that is best suited to the particulate comprising the bale offarm product 21. The flakes 57 are propelled towards the thrashingaction of the serrated teeth 68 in concert with the outwardly extendingteeth 54. The un-baled and thrashed farm product 27 is gravity fed tothe platform conveyor subsystem 14. The platform conveyor subsystem 14propels the thrashed farm product 27 towards the baling machine 11wherein the baling machine 11 transforms the thrashed farm product 27into suitably sized bales 26. The suitably sized bales 26 aretransported along the loading conveyor subsystem 18 to be loaded byoperator 24 onto the truck 25. If desired the suitably sized bales 26may be stacked and stored in any convenient arrangement or configurationin any convenient facility.

Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have beendescribed in detail above, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined inthe following claims, means-plus-function clause is intended to coverthe structures described herein as performing the recited function andnot only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus,although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that anail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts togetherwhereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment offastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.

1. A method for un-bailing substantially rectangular bales of farmproducts, each substantially rectangular bale comprising a plurality ofsubstantially rectangular flakes uniformly aligned from front to backand detachably secured together, the rectangular flakes being derivedfrom the compressive action of the baling process, the method forun-baling comprising the steps of: a) providing a rail mounted conveyorpivotally disposed to a rail mounted conveyor-thrasher; b) observing thedistinctive curvature disposed along one side of the farm productproduced by the baling process; c) determining the bottom of thesubstantially rectangular bale of farm product via said observeddistinctive curvature; d) positioning said determined bottom of thesubstantially rectangular bale of farm product adjacent to first railmounted conveyor with the front of the substantially rectangular bale offarm product facing said rail mounted conveyor-thrasher; e) receivingoperational commands to transport the substantially rectangular bale offarm product via said rail mounted conveyor to said rail mountedconveyor-thrasher; f) thrashing the substantially rectangular bale offarm product; and g) ejecting said thrashed substantially rectangularbale of farm product from said rail mounted conveyor-thrasher.
 2. Amethod for un-bailing substantially rectangular bales of farm productsas recited in claim 1 further comprising the steps of: a) providing afirst spring-loaded retarding mechanism connectively disposed to saidrail mounted conveyor-thrasher, said rail mounted conveyor-thrasherhaving a thrashing mechanism disposed therein; b) adjusting saidspring-loaded retarding mechanism to engage the leading edge of thefront flake of the substantially rectangular bale of farm product; c)retarding the forward movement of the top portion of the front flake ofthe substantially rectangular bale of farm product; d) engaging thebottom portion of the front flake via said rail mountedconveyor-thrasher; e) collapsing the front flake via said spring-loadedretarding mechanism in concert with said rail mounted conveyor-thrashersubsystem; f) transporting said collapsed front flake to said railmounted conveyor-thrasher's thrashing mechanism; g) thrashing saidcollapsed front flake via said rail mounted conveyor-thrasher'sthrashing mechanism; and h) ejecting said thrashed front flake from saidrail mounted conveyor-thrasher.
 3. A method for un-bailing substantiallyrectangular bales of farm products as recited in claim 2 furthercomprising the steps of: a) providing a baling machine, a platformconveyor operationally disposed between said rail mountedconveyor-thrasher and said baling machine; b) receiving said collapsedthrashed front flake via said platform conveyor; c) transporting saidreceived collapsed thrashed front flake to said baling machine; and d)baling said transported front flake into rectangular bales of farmproduct via said baling machine.
 4. A method for un-bailingsubstantially rectangular bales of farm products as recited in claim 2further comprising the steps: a) pivoting said first rail mountedconveyor-thrasher in relation to said rail mounted conveyor to a firstposition; and b) maximizing the throughput of said collapsed front flakeby pivoting said first rail mounted conveyor-thrasher in relation tosaid rail mounted conveyor from said first position to a subsequentposition.
 5. A method for un-bailing substantially rectangular bales offarm products as recited in claim 1 further comprising the step ofun-baling a plurality of substantially rectangular bales of farmproducts.